When will we see a cure?

I have just finished reading the obituary of Christopher Hitchens, one of the greatest intellectuals of this or any other generation.

A few months ago, I was reading the obituary of Steve Jobs, one of the greatest business visionaries of this or any other generation.

Closer to home, I have friends and relatives fighting for their lives. They will probably never feature in the Times obituaries, but if they lose their battles, as with Hitchens and Jobs, those who love and respect them will be shattered.

The killer that is causing this destruction of talent and hope?

CANCER.

For as long as I can remember, distinguished doctors have been telling the world that a cure for cancer would be found "within my lifetime".

SADLY, MANY LIVES HAVE BEEN LOST AS WE AWAIT THE CURE.

I understand that billions of pounds have been spent on medical research associated with cancer. Some progress may have been made: BUT NOT NEARLY ENOUGH.

It is a stain on the reputation of the medical profession that so many obituaries are still being caused by the loathed "crab".

The world is an immeasurably poorer place as a result of the deaths of Hitchens and Jobs. We all suffer grievous loss as a result of relatives and friends departing prematurely.

NOT GOOD ENOUGH. NOT NEARLY GOOD ENOUGH. TIME FOR OUR MEDICS TO PRODUCE THE PROMISED SOLUTIONS.

All of us who for now survive are tired of reading needless obituaries.